It initially began as Challenge of the Yukon, a 15-minute local radio series on on Detroit’s WXYX. The title changed to Sergeant Preston of the Yukon in November 1951,and remained under that name through the end of the series and into television.

The part of the brave Canadian Mountie was played by various actors over the course of the shows long run. Jay Michael originated the role until the mid 1940s. Paul Sutton then took over and was followed briefly by Brace Beemer when the The Lone Ranger series ended in 1954. Sutton came back for the final broadcast.

The original announcer/narrator of the radio show was Bob Hite, who was also the narrator for the Lone Ranger, Green Hornet and TheShadow.